Second League (Bulgaria) 2026/27

The Second Professional Football League operates as the second tier of Bulgarian football, sitting below the First Professional Football League and above the Third Amateur Football League. Administered by the Bulgarian Professional Football League under the authority of the Bulgarian Football Union, the competition serves as a critical bridge for clubs aspiring to reach the top flight. The current structure follows a single national division format, a consolidation after previous iterations saw regional splits across the country. While the league currently features 18 teams playing a double round-robin system, a reduction to 16 teams is scheduled to take effect from the 2027–28 season.

Success in this league carries significant weight through its promotion mechanism. The champion secures direct promotion to the First League, while the second and third-place teams enter a playoff against the 13th-place team from the top tier. Relegation is harsh, with the bottom teams dropped directly to the Third Amateur League, and the 14th-place team often facing a relegation playoff. A distinct feature separating it from the First League is the restriction that reserve teams of First League clubs are generally not permitted to compete, a rule designed to prevent conflicts of interest. This ensures that every club fighting for promotion is a fully independent entity.

Historically, the competition has undergone several structural changes, including periods of regional grouping before stabilizing into its current national format. Beroe Stara Zagora stands out as the most successful club with nine titles, though other notable champions include Spartak Varna and Septemvri Sofia. The most recent reigning champion is Dunav Ruse, who secured their seventh title in the 2025–26 season. The league is currently sponsored as the Mr. Bit Second League, reflecting the commercial landscape of the sport in Bulgaria. Unlike the First League, the Second League provides a platform for development without the pressure of having reserve sides dominating the standings.